Loch Lomond’s ‘Bonnie Banks at risk’ from major road upgrade

Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs has welcomed Greenspace Scotland’s Worth of Water report, saying its findings reinforce concerns over plans to upgrade the A82 along the loch

Campaigners fighting plans for a major road upgrade along the banks of one of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations say new research into the value of the country’s lochs and other “blue spaces” has strengthened their case.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park attracts more than four million visitors a year, drawn by its scenery, walking routes and outdoor recreation.

Friends of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs has welcomed Greenspace Scotland’s Worth of Water report, saying its findings reinforce its argument that the proposed road scheme risks damaging one of the last readily accessible stretches of the loch’s famous “Bonnie Banks”.

The group has been campaigning against the preferred option for the A82 upgrade, which would involve widening and straightening the existing road along the lochside.

It says the work would damage stretches of temperate oak rainforest, rocky headlands and shingle beaches and has instead called for an alternative route above the railway line.

Chairman John Urquhart said: “By measuring the monetary and health value of Scotland’s Blue Spaces, Greenspace Scotland has reinforced the argument we have been making for several years that the Scottish government’s plans for the A82 upgrade risk severely damaging one of the last stretches of Loch Lomond’s Bonnie Banks which can readily be accessed and enjoyed by the public.

“The government transport agency’s preferred option involves widening and straightening the existing A82 road, involving significant engineering works along the Lochside. 

“This will do untold damage to the generally unspoiled shoreline, destroying substantial stretches of bluebell rich temperate oak rainforest, rocky headlands and attractive shingle beaches.”

The group argues that previous work on the A82 south of Tarbet has already compromised sections of shoreline and says the latest proposals would involve further rock armouring and viaducts across bays.

Urquhart said an alternative ‘High Road’ should be considered, inspired by the Pass of Killiecrankie.

He said: “This would see a new road built above the railway line bypassing Ardlui and Tarbet, while retaining the old road for locals, as well as for visitors walking and cycling and accessing the loch.

“Our High Road alternative would provide a straighter, faster and safer route, avoiding the sensitive shoreline, yet providing stunning views over the loch. Furthermore, serious road safety concerns in Ardlui and Tarbet would be resolved.”

READ MORE: Scotland’s £19bn food and drink industry faces ‘cliff edge’ as costs squeeze businesses. Industry leaders are calling for lower VAT, a review of higher employer National Insurance and clarity over business rates as some hospitality firms struggle with profit margins of just three per cent. 

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_{Main image: Loch Lomond’s famous “Bonnie Banks”, where campaigners say plans to upgrade the A82 risk damaging sensitive stretches of shoreline and woodland. Image: Mimihitam/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0}